François Carrier
(tr. AB)
François Carrier
(tr. AB)
MRC PONTIAC – The Sphinx mining company, which is currently exploring the ‘Calumet Sud’ project and zinc concentrations on L’ Île-du-Grand-Calumet, recently obtained permission to prospect 22 new claims, situated about 5 km northeast of Waltham. The new mining project is called Tessouat, in honour of an Algonquin chief.
The business has also submitted requests to the Ministry of Natural Resources for more claims across the Pontiac to identify other potential sources of zinc; some of these border residential areas. Residents have expressed concerns about these requests and fear they could be required to provide access through their properties.
“We always ensure local communities are involved and their voices are heard. We will not do work without authorization and an understanding of what we are doing,” said Sphinx President Normand Champigny, explaining that zinc has reached record high market prices.
Champigny believes it is important to explore other zones to see if there is potential for further mine development. “What we learned from exploring the ground on L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet is that we believe there is potential in the south of the Pontiac, which may also be present in the north of the region,” he said. “We want to acquire the rights to explore the claims to assess that potential, while respecting the rights of citizens,” he continued.
Champigny reiterated that his company continues to work in collaboration with
the Government of Quebec, as in its partnership with SOQUEM in the “Calumet Sud” project. “We have values that must be respected and we will not change
our way of doing things. If residents have concerns, we invite them to contact us or to ask questions at our AGM, which we will be held September 5 at 2 pm in the L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet Municipal Hall,” concluded Champigny.
